The CliftonStrengths Coaching Blog is a resource for those who want to help others truly understand their strengths and learn how to use them. Gallup experts and outside contributors share tactics, insights, and strategies to help strengths coaches maximize the talent of individuals, teams, and organizations everywhere.

Recap -- Theme Thursday: Includer (Aug. 28, 2014)

Includers are sensitive to those who are excluded and have an innate desire and capacity to bring them into the group. Their thoughtful approach to others not only increases participation and communication as they ensure everyone is considered, but it also brings a level of tolerance and acceptance of diversity.

Those with high Includer talents are quick to notice exclusion that can hurt people or hinder performance, and they seek to facilitate the involvement of those who are excluded. They often go out of their way to bring people in. Includer is a relationship theme, and Curt further explains that Includers have acute social awareness.

Includers don’t bring in outsiders to benefit just the outsiders; they also believe that outsiders’ involvement can have a very positive impact among those on the “inside” when everyone works together.

In the workplace, Rick says that being inclusive is incredibly important in most situations. Otherwise, you can miss out on important information and “ah-ha” moments. Whether throwing ideas around or executing a project, including others can lead to more valuable input and possibly greater productivity.

On the other hand, too much inclusiveness can potentially lead to slower productivity because too many people want to have a say in the matter. The key is to find the balance between asking for people’s ideas and opinions, and achieving adequate productivity.